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VIETNAM - A Classic Tour of Vietnam
Vietnam
Overview - Cuisine
- Culture
- Geography
& Climate - History
- Gallery
Please note that this program is run through
Active
Travel through whom all bookings will go.
Tour Overview
Vietnam is one of Asia's most fascinating
destinations. It is a culturally and geographically varied
country. 1800 km from south to north, from tropical rice
paddies in the south to cool mountains in the north, on
the Chinese border, with lots in between.
It has a recent history that has touched us all and has
now emerged from that horrible experience with new vitality
and optimism. The friendliness and humour of the people,
their pride in their country, its beauty and its cuisine
all combine to ensure that you have a delightful and memorable
holiday.
Our programme takes you beyond the standard tourist encounters
and includes a rural hill tribe region around Mai Chau,
hidden ancient streets, World Heritage locations, and
busy local markets. We arrive in Saigon, head deep into
the Mekong Delta, to world heritage listed Hoi An, the
capital of Hanoi and the sublime Halong Bay.
Travel is by comfortable private vehicle, two internal
flights and a few local boats in the Mekong area. Hotels
are of a very good standard and a number have been personally
selected by Dave. We cruise Halong Bay aboard a deluxe
sailing junk. In addition to Dave as our tour host, you
will enjoy the services of several excellent local guides
throughout the program, who will explain aspects of Vietnamese
culture, cuisine, history and geography and act as interpreter
in those out of the way places. Such guides bring a fantastic
dimension to our Vietnam experience. This is an excellent
program for those interested in culture, history, scenery
& relaxation.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival into Saigon (Ho
Chi Minh City) – 13 NOV, 2009:
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we are transferred to
our comfortable hotel located in District 1, a
short walk to the principal sites and attractions in downtown
Saigon.
Day 2: Explore Saigon – 14 NOV:
We head out after breakfast to explore some of the city’s
most interesting sites. The famous Opera
House is nearby, as is the Hotel Continental. See the
beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral and Central
Post office building. Both fine examples of colonial French
architecture. From here it’s a short walk
along the tree lined boulevards to the Reunification Palace.
We continue to the War Remnants
Museum. Afternoon at leisure for further exploration including
the vast market at Ben Thanh. (B)
Day 3: Into the Mekong Delta – 15 NOV:
An early start for our two day trip to the Mekong Delta,
an important agricultural region. Drive from Ho Chi Minh
City to Cai Be, stopping en route at an elaborate Cao
Dai Temple. From Cai Be, we take a boat trip along the
Mekong River and its tributaries to view the daily lives
of people who work and play on the waterways of the Mekong
Delta. Tonight is a real highlight as we stay with a local
family in the Delta. (BLD)
Day 4: Exploration of the village of the Delta –
16 NOV
We bid our hosts farewell and continue our exploration
of the Delta by boat and private vehicle. We
head for the administrative town of Can Tho, via Vinh
Long with visits to several small villages with
their own interesting enterprises. Arrive in Can Tho and
the remainder of the afternoon is free. (BL)
Day 5: Delta back to Saigon – 17 NOV
The market at Cai Rang is famous in the Delta and we visit
here on our way back to Saigon. Lunch is at a local restaurant
and we arrive back in Saigon this afternoon. Tonight is
at leisure. (BL)
Day 6: Fly to Danang and on to Hoi An – 18 NOV
After leisure breakfast, transfer to the airport for the
late morning flight to Danang. Upon arrival,
transfer a short distance to the World Cultural Heritage
town of Hoi An. The heritage zone has largely been restored
and is a wonderful place to wander through. There are
many cafés to check out and it is also a good place
to have clothes made up at the excellent tailor shops,
all within 24 hours. Dave will take the group on an orientation
walk through the streets and laneways of Hoi An and point
out several of the great restaurants and places of historic,
cultural and religious interest in the town. (B)
Day 7 & 8: Discover Hoi An and surrounds –
19&20 NOV
Past guests have always said ‘they wish they had
just one more day in Hoi An’. We have two and a
half days to discover the fascinating nooks and crannies
of the old town and the rural surroundings.
There are some good bike riding trails in the area, the
beach in Hoi An is not far and the ancient
Cham temples t My Son are worth a visit. The morning market
in Hoi An is a riot of noise and colour, but be early!
For anyone interested, Hoi An boasts an excellent Vietnamese
cooking school. Our charming resort here is also very
relaxing, so enjoy a cold drink and a good book here.
(B)
Day 9: North to Hanoi and into the Mai Chau valley
– 21 NOV
We transfer a short distance to Danang for the flight
to Hanoi. On arrival we head south west, for the beautiful
valley of Mai Chau. The scenery here is fantastic and
we will encounter several ethnic
minorities who inhabit the hill regions of the north.
The lodge here is fantastic and is the centre for
our activities in the area. Several walks beckon, to local
hamlets and villages. (BLD)
Day 10: Mau Chau Valley exploration – 22 NOV
After breakfast we drive a short distance to Salinh village,
inhabited by ethnic H’mong people. We're around 1000
, above sea level here and it's generally quite cool as
we walk through the paddy fields, along local paths visiting
villages on our way back to Mai Chau. After lunch you
may wish to take a bike ride or simply relax at the lodge
with a good book. Dinner at the lodge is accompanied by
a low key traditional performance by the local ethnic
Tai people from Mai Chau. (BLD)
Day 11: Mai Chau Valley back to Hanoi – 23 NOV
After a hearty breakfast there is an option for another
walk or for relaxing. Following lunch we
depart Mai Chau and return to Hanoi, about three hours
drive. Arriving in the afternoon and after
check in, Dave will lead an orientation walk around of
the Old City’s famous guild streets and Hoan
Kiem Lake. It’s a maze of old tree lined streets
and French colonial architecture. There are some
excellent restaurants here to sample. Dave will have a
few suggestions no doubt. (BL)
Day 11: Explore Hanoi – 24 NOV
This morning we have an organised sightseeing program
taking in the vast Ho Chi Minh Complex. One Pillar Pagoda
is nearby as is the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh – the
Communist Revolutionary who many Vietnamese regards as
the ‘Father’ of modern Vietnam. Wind your way
afterwards to the Temple of Literature, the first University
for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoi
culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. In the afternoon,
free at leisure for your own exploration. (B)
Day 12: Halong Bay – 25 NOV
It is a three-hour drive to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's
most impressive scenic sights. Views of sailing junks
navigating past over 3000 limestone islands and rocky
outcrops jutting out of the bay are nothing short of spectacular.
We board our comfortable sailing junk for an exploration
of the bay, enjoying lunch and dinner as well as spending
a night on board. We visit one cave in the area and, in
the warmer months, there is a chance to enjoy a swim.
It is a wonderful experience to be spending a few nights
on the bay – weather permitting, the views at sunset
are incredible. There may also be the chance to do some
kayaking on Halong Bay. (BLD)
Day 13: Halong Bay – 26 NOV
This morning, for those interested a tender boat can take
us ashore for some hiking at Viet Hai village. We have
lunch along the way and we rendezvous with the ‘mother
ship’ later in the day. As we’re staying a second
night, we can reach further out into the less visited
stretches of Halong Bay and away from the ‘day trippers’.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 14: Halong Bay to Hanoi – 27 NOV
We cruise back to the port enjoying a leisurely brunch.
Transfer back to Hanoi and arrive mid afternoon. The rest
of the day is at leisure to follow up on personal interests,
go shopping or relax. Dave will suggest a few options
for dinner tonight in Hanoi. There are several enticing
dining options. No doubt, you will be feeling relaxed,
invigorated and reflective of your experiences in this
wonderful country. (B)
Day 15: Depart from Hanoi – 28 NOV
Dave will be on hand to assist with organising transfer
out to the airport. Taxis represent good value or it may
be possible to travel as a group on an organised shuttle
service, depending on guests flight schedules. Tour concludes.
(B)
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Friendly Page: Vietnam
Vietnam: Classic tour of Vietnan
Dates and costs
13 - 28 November 2009
Rates per person in $AUD3635
Price: The price, beginning in Saigon on 13 November
and concluding in Hanoi on 28 November, is $3635 per
person on a twin share basis. Estimated air travel from
Australia is
$A1000-1300.
Single Supplement: $650
Price includes: All accommodation and meals throughout,
sightseeing, transport including two domestic flights,
Halong Bay sailing junk, Mai Chau Lodge, guiding, entrance
fees to
attractions listed, and the services of your Escort
and Tour Manager, Dave Best.
Not Included: Items not included are drinks (soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages such as beer are inexpensive),
extra food, shopping (is there a limit on this in Vietnam?),
travel insurance and gratuities. Vietnam Visas are $75
and MUST be arranged prior to travel to Vietnam. Contact
Active Travel for assistance with insurance and visas.
Accommodation: We use comfortable, well located
hotels with en-suite bathroom. Hot water and western
toilets are standard facilities in Vietnam. Basic facilities
for one night during our Mekong homestay.
Food: Is a major highlight of travel in Vietnam
and we include a total of 27 meals on this tour. Dave
has a good selection of restaurants and dining options
to choose from, based on many years of travel in Vietnam.
Additional meals are inexpensive compared to Australian
restaurant prices.
Dinner, with an entrée and main plus a few drinks
ought not cost more than $A20-25. Typically much less.
Flights: The cost of your air travel is not included
simply because there are so many changes taking place
right now (APR09) with specials and promotional fares.
Singapore Airlines have just released a fare for $450
+ taxes (approx $430) to Hanoi return! Other airlines
are sure to follow their lead. Contact Active Travel
for the latest updates and deals.
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